Tuesday 16 May 2006

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen MSP, today announced a boost for funding for communities and households who want to generate their own energy. The Scottish Community & Householder Renewables Inititiative (SCHRI) has been awared an additional £3,000,000 over two years, an increase of 60% on the previous year’s funding.

Commenting on the announcement, Maf Smith, chief executive of Scottish Renewables said, “More resources going to more communities will switch on more people to understanding how they can manage their own energy generation. Research has shown that when people have a greater understanding how electricity and heat is generated and then used in their homes, they are much more aware of how to reduce demand and use what power they do have more efficiently. Scotland leads the way in manufacturing micro-generation equipment just as it leads the way in renewable energy sectors such as hydro, wind and marine power. This move will help to create more green jobs, and enable communities to do their bit to tackle climate change, as well as ensure they have an affordable, secure supply to meet their own energy needs.”

Dave Sowden, chief executive of MicroPower Council commented, “We are pleased to see additional funding for SCHRI which builds on the additional funding announced for the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Coming shortly after Mark Lazarowicz’s Private Member’s Bill moving a step further to becoming law, it is to be welcomed that the devolved government’s are showing consistency in their support for micropower.”

Chris Tomlinson, operations director for British Wind Energy Association, added, “BWEA welcomes today’s announcement by the Scottish Executive of an increase in grant funding for the microgeneration sector in Scotland. Grants play an important role in stimulating a market for micro-renewable technologies. However, they must be coupled with other support mechanisms such as a streamlined planning process and reward packages for exporters of micropower, if Scotland is to secure a vibrant and sustainable microgeneration sector. Home to several of the UK’s small wind turbine manufacturers, Scotland stands to gain from job creation and associated economic benefits resulting from the growth in this sector.”

The increase in funding is another piece of the micro-generation puzzle in place. Scottish Renewables now awaits key decisions in new planning guidance, updated building standards and support for the Member’s Bills in the Scottish Parliament promoted by Sarah Boyack MSP and Shiona Baird MSP.

ENDS

Issued by:

Grant Thoms - Press & Parliamentary Officer
Direct Dial: 0141 222 7924 Mob: 07980 223 938

Maf Smith is available for comment on 07818 075 600

Notes to Editors:

1. Scottish Renewables Forum is Scotland’s leading renewables organisation. It represents companies working in wind, wave, tidal, solar, hydro and biomass, and aims to create a renewables future for Scotland for the benefit of Scotland’s environment and economy.
2. See Scottish Renewables Briefing on the potential for micro-generation in Scotland.
3. Further information about the Scottish Community & Householder Renewables Initiative is managed jointly by the Energy Savings Trust and Highlands & Islands Enterprise on behalf of the Scottish Executive. Examples and case studies of how communties and householders have benefited from SCHRI funding are available on their website.
4. Member’s Bills in the Scottish Parliament include Sarah Boyack’s Energy Efficiency and Micro-generation Bill and Shiona Baird’s Micropower (Scotland) Bill, both have recently completed consultations.